New York’s Catholic bishops have endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to enroll the state in a federal scholarship tax credit program. The New York State Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement signed by the bishops of all eight dioceses in the state, praising the move as a way to empower families without imposing additional costs on state budgets.

Governor Hochul announced on October 9 that New York would participate in the program, which is scheduled to begin on January 1. The initiative allows taxpayers to receive federal credits for donations made to nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations. These funds can then be used by families to cover various education-related expenses.

The federal program requires states to opt in before their residents become eligible for the tax incentives. Individuals can claim a maximum credit of $1,700, while married couples filing jointly may receive up to $3,400. By joining the program, New York enables its taxpayers to access these deductions starting next year.

In her announcement, Governor Hochul emphasized that the initiative would bring millions of additional dollars to students and families without diverting funds from public schools or local budgets. “Every parent wants their child to have a great education and the best possible chance to succeed,” Hochul said. She added, “I’m not going to leave money on the table when it can help our kids.”

The bishops’ statement highlighted that the program supports educational choice while maintaining fiscal responsibility for the state. The endorsement reflects a broader alignment between New York’s Catholic leadership and policies that expand parental options in education.

Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, president and CEO of the National Catholic Educational Association, also commended the governor’s decision. He noted that the program benefits a wide range of educational institutions, including Catholic schools, public schools, private schools, and religious schools. His statement underscored the potential for increased support across the entire educational landscape.

As the program launches on January 1, families will have access to new financial tools to help manage education costs. The collaboration between state leadership and religious organizations demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting student success through diverse educational pathways.